Thermal mass flow meters are designed to accurately monitor and measure mass flow (as opposed to measuring volumetric flow) of clean gases, a parameter that is not temperature dependent. Therefore, the thermal mass flow meter does not require a correction for changes in gas temperature, pressure, viscosity and density.
Thermal Mass Meter Advantages
• Measure gas mass flow rate directly
• Suitable for applications where temperature and pressures fluctuate
• Highly accurate and repeatable measurements with a typical accuracy of ± 1% FS
• Able to measure accurately low gas flow rates or low gas velocities
• Excellent turn down ratio, typically 50:1
• No moving parts
Thermal Mass Meter Limitations
• Gas mass meter use is limited to clean, non abrasive fluids
• Presence of moisture or droplets can lead to measurement inaccuracy
• Thermal properties must be known: variation from calibrated values can cause inaccuracies
• Relatively high initial cost
Thermal mass flow meters are suitable for a variety of processes requiring mass flow measurement and are frequently used for the regulation of low gas flows. Some common gas flow applications for thermal mass flow meters include:
• Compressed air monitoring
• Natural gas consumption
• Monitoring and control of stack or flue gas (where composition known)
• Landfill gas recovery
• Flare gas measurement
• HVAC duct flows
• Energy conservation
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